President Martin’s Comments:

How quickly 2025 has flown by – and, dare I say it, half a Rotary Year almost completed! Firstly, a personal message if I may, please: thank you to all of you who have sent messages of support over the past four weeks, which I have much appreciated! Hopefully with certain aspects having now been completed, this brings some closure.

A big thank you to Roger, Ian and Graham who covered various aspects in my absence, plus, to those of you who have avoided making contact! Rotary is indeed a family.

So, a quick review of December.

2^nd Dec was a team review meeting led by Ian who presented on how much the club has contributed to the wider community. It always amazes me how much Rotarians do in a quiet, dignified, modest way in support of good causes. It’s not just about fund-raising, but so much more.

The 9^th was our SGM. Unfortunately, not all the business scheduled for the evening was able to be completed and we will re-convene on January 26^th at LGC.

17^th December was our Christmas Dinner, organised and led by Roger. (LIG had had their Christmas dinner the previous day on 16^th). A big thank you to him: it was a great evening! Good company, fine food, everyone dressed up for the event and a tricky quiz from Stephen created a great ambiance. It was also great to see many Rotarian Partners and friends of Rotary at the event. Also please note that surplus monies from the event will be donated to the Soar Valley food bank.

Thanks, as ever, to Paul & his excellent team who so cheerfully and professionally ensure our meetings throughout the year  are convivial and enjoyable.

A chilly start at East Leake Co-op!

Turning to our traditional Christmas Tin Rattles, a big thank you to Andy who organised the events and to those who supported the Rattles this December. It’s not just about fund-raising but getting the Rotary name out there.

A big thank you to those who also covered slots due to people not being available: an example of great team work. Whilst the sum raised was less than last year, the money we did raise will enable us to support a number of activities in the 26/27 Rotary year.

For sure Christmas should be a happy time spent with family and friends. However, not everyone is so lucky so please look out for those who may need some help and good cheer. It is also the time of year that we reflect on those who are no longer with us, especially Rotarians who have gone on to higher service; our thoughts will be them and their families.

Apologies, but I have not sent any Christmas cards and instead have donated to a homeless charity.

I hope you and your families have had a great Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year.

Looking ahead to what’s to come in the New Year, Neil, our Programme Team Leader, offers a little more information on some of the highlights ..

• The New Year walk on Jan 6^th, planned by Susan and Martin in Quorn should have happened last new year, but we would have needed a scuba-diver’s outfit since most of the route was underwater! The organisers tell us it will be a short walk followed by a long lunch at The Quorndon Fox. Sign up soon.
   
• You might not know that serious consideration is being given to identifying Charnwood Forest as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This will have an impact on all of us! On 13^th January you can hear all about it from the man who knows.
   
• The District Governor is coming to talk to us on 20^th January for lunch at 12.30 – NOTE THE CHANGE OF TIME
   
• There are matters to discuss further from the SGM in December, when it was adjourned, so it will be reconvened on 27^th January at 7.30.  If it deals quickly with the agenda then Neil will be doing one of his “Higher or Lower” quizzes. You can decide if that is a threat or a promise.
   
• We start the month on 3^rd February at 7.30 with our regular visit to Eastern Spice on Leicester Road in Loughborough. Beacon have always enjoyed these evenings, and the owner always makes a significant contribution to our charity fund.
   

Freeze your Bits ‘n Bobs off!

Linda Thompson passes on this message from Bradgate Rotary:

“2026 sees our third Freeze Your Bits and Bobs Off Charity Bra and Pants Walk in aid of breast and prostate cancer. Our last two events have raised over £34,000 for the Glenfield Breast Care Centre, Breast Cancer Now and PROSTaid, with 330 walkers in January 2025. Can we do better in 2026? 

As one of our local clubs I would be grateful if you could spread the word and publicise the walk. Better still, take part and enjoy not only making a difference to those who need it but giving you a warm feeling of helping others.  

Think about it. Who do you know that has not been affected by breast and/or prostate cancer? I'm willing to say no-one. I have lost dear ones to cancer, I've joyously celebrated those who have beaten it.

PLEASE SUPPORT US AND SPREAD THE WORD!”

Walk at your own pace. The event is open to all but you’re encouraged to wear decorated bras and pants for the occasion!

Participants can register for the event online at www.bradgaterotaryevents.co.uk or email walk77a@yahoo.com The event includes a 3 mile walk, and takes place from 10am – 3pm on Sunday January 11^th 2026 at Bradgate Park.

LOOKING BACK.. more memories..

This time, Garner looks back to his year as President (2006) with some special memories from 2006.

  OUR COMBINED PROGRAMME FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2026 —at a glance: